Public art brings colour and life to the streets

THE face of Murwillumbah CBD is getting brighter with the latest round of vibrant public art installations.

As part of an overarching program of activations and events, this masthead had a sneak peek at the newest street murals and a newly installed light box display of local artists’ work.

The light boxes on the Astral Building on Proudfoots Lane, adjacent to Bolt and Buckle, showcase works by three local artists: Gudjingburra Bundjalung artist Kyle Slabb, contemporary Aboriginal artist Michael Philp, and Murwillumbah-based illustrator and artist Madeleine White.

White said she was honoured to be one of the three inaugural artists.

“My piece Ether reflects what I’ve been focused on as the mum of two,” White said.

“My four-year-old is asking big questions about life, and I try to work out how to respond in a playful way—that’s the only way I can answer.

“The butterfly’s life cycle has such a mystery and adventure to it, and that’s played a big part in my exploration of my art,” she said.

Artist coordinator and curator Byron Coathup, a locally practising installation and spatial artist, said Business Murwillumbah approached him to consult on the project.

“I’ve been an artist for years, and now, as a curator and project manager, we consult with businesses and organisations on public art,” Coathup said.

“Putting art in public spaces is a way of introducing people to art who might not usually go to galleries.

“The beauty of this project is that we inject art into spaces that are out of the ordinary.

“The most enjoyment I get is getting artists fair pay for their work,” he said.

Two new street murals are also in progress on the sides of the McGuinness and Marville buildings in what will soon be the region’s most visually pleasing car park.

Gus Eagleton’s work In Your Backyard is complete, and the full-time travelling artist is somewhat of a visual troubadour singing the region’s song.

“It’s about local nature and wildlife and things you might stumble upon living in this region,” Eagleton said.

“The work took about a week. The weather was on and off, delaying it a bit, but it’s great to be finished.”

Melbourne-based artist Leah Bartholomew grew up in Tweed Heads.

“I’ve been coming to Murwillumbah my whole life, and my parents met teaching at Murwillumbah High School,” Bartholomew said.

“It’s a super sentimental town for me, so I was stoked to get this project.

“My work is all about joy, colour, and pattern, as well as showcasing the local native flora.

“I want the audience to feel optimistic and appreciate the natural environment here.

“The community interaction has been really positive. I’m fascinated by the mix of people in Murwillumbah,” she said.